When asked the question “What is success?” Wiggam decided to answer by presenting what he claimed was an abridged version of statements that he credited to Ralph Waldo Emerson : … who has gained the trust of pure women and the love of little children Ī considerably altered version of the piece was published in a syndicated newspaper column by Albert Edward Wiggam in 1951. … who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children For example, in 1906 a version was printed in a Springfield, Illinois newspaper that replaced the line immediately below with the next line : There are multiple versions of this essay with relatively small differences that are all attributed to Bessie A. “He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children who has filled his niche and accomplished his task who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it who has always looked for the best in others and given the best he had whose life was an inspiration whose memory a benediction.” Stanley received a draft for two hundred and fifty dollars, with the information that she had won the first prize. It was considered in competition with several hundred others from all parts of the country, and a few days ago Mrs. Her husband also represented his county in the legislature of 1899. Stanley is the wife of the county superintendent of schools in Lincoln county. Stanley of Lincoln, submitted a definition of success in the contest. “What Constitutes Success?” It was stipulated that the essay must be under one hundred words in length.Ī Kansas woman, Mrs. Here is an article about her essay that was published in the Emporia Gazette of Emporia, Kansas on Decem:Ī Boston firm recently offered several prizes for the best essay on the subject. Many of the words you heard were derived from an essay written by Bessie A. Quote Investigator: Your skepticism is well founded. Can you find the real source of this quotation? The speaker credited the words to Ralph Waldo Emerson, but I am confident this ascription is inaccurate.
To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends,… Stanley? Albert Edward Wiggam? Harry Emerson Fosdick? Ann Landers? Anonymous?ĭear Quote Investigator: In church this morning I listened to a short discourse on the definition of success.